The bead goes on

Posted: Friday, Oct 5th, 2012BY: Dennis Anstine

Pam Blacketer has been a bead artist for about 20 years, and she has taken her art to a new level by creating beaded guitars, one of which is being raffled off as a benefit for the Oregon Coast Veterans Association. That group provides aid to veterans and their families, as well as to families of those currently serving in the military. Also pictured is Ray Taylor, one of the founders of the nonprofit organization. (Photo by Dennis Anstine)

Siletz woman turns musical instruments into art

Pam Blacketer, waitress by day and bead artist by night, figures itís her creative side that keeps her going.

ďIím on my feet and talking to people all day, and thatís how I make a living (at the Little Chief Restaurant in Siletz),Ē she said. ďIím just the kind who canít stand still very long, so the job is OK. But Iíve always done some crafting, and if I didnít do that, I think Iíd drive myself and my family crazy.Ē

She took up beading about 20 years ago and since then has been turning shiny beads into a variety of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, dolls, decorative patches and practically anything that people enjoy wearing. Besides beads, her pieces often include gemstones, abalone shells and lots of crystals.

ďI really do it for myself,Ē she said, ďbut if people like them, then thatís great.Ē

Her biggest financial successes have been guitars that she has transformed into beaded statements that allow her to illustrate her own characterization of famous artists, such as Elvis Presley, Bobby Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.